Today's Opinions

Are you ready to celebrate New Year’s Eve? Look no further than downtown Tell City and the third annual Silvesternacht.

This year’s New Year’s Eve celebration offers something for everyone in the family. Sponsored by the Perry County Quality of Life Committee, Silvesternacht has become a community celebration of New Year’s Eve. A list of activities appears in this edition.

Many publications are now naming their Man, Woman or Person of the Year, and to us the clear winner of the award has to be Pope Francis for the positive influence he has had on the world – and not just its 1.2 billion Catholics.

Since becoming pope 21½ months ago, besides trying to make positive reforms in his church he has played a key role in world affairs. The latest example of that came 12 days ago when it was revealed that he had been instrumental in getting the United States and Cuba to re-establish diplomatic relations between them.

Around this time of the year, the “War on Christmas” and the “War on the War on Christmas” once again enter the public discourse, with each side claiming support from assorted statistics and anecdotes.

Though there are certainly some who inexcusably exaggerate threats to public religious expression and others who claim there is no hostility to Christianity, we must ask the obvious: If there is no hostility to public religious expression, what has prompted fears that Christmas is being stamped out?

I don’t mind a gloomy day here or there. I actually find them somewhat restorative. Too many in a row, though, can be sort of depressing. So, when the winter sky moves in, I search out the plants in the landscape that have color.

We all say we want winter interest but sometimes we forget about it once spring rolls around and we get excited about a new season.

Teachers prepare students for the future and play a vital role in their lives. Think back to a time when you were in school; are there certain teachers that really stood out or made a lasting impression on your life?

These teachers might have taught in a more exciting way or showed true passion for the job, which reflected in their instruction, and it is incredible the impact and difference one effective teacher can make in our lives.